WM. H. ELLIS HOUSES

430 and 436 N. Limestone St., Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky
Built 1820-1860

Source: Old Houses of Lexington, C. Frank Dunn, typescript, n.d., copy located in the Kentucky Room, Lexington (Kentucky) Public Library.

Wm. Wiseman's executor in 1860 sold to Wm. H. Ellis the remainder of the Limestone St. frontage (119 feet) of the estate. The deed said the lot, "on which there is now a Hemp warehouse," extended from the corner of Mrs. Eliza Wiseman's lot to the line of Mrs. Charlton Hunt.

Ellis (the father of the late Major Ernest E. Ellis, public benefactor) was a builder, and it was no feat for him to convert the hemp warehouse into a residence (No. 430). He also built the brick cottage next north (No. 436).

Wiseman's executor brought suit against Ellis in February 1864, and 80 feet of the frontage, including the two houses, was sold at public auction. T. Armant purchased the houses for $1,406. Ellis evidently had a further claim upon the houses, however, as he made a separate deed a few days later, upon payment by Armant of $351 more.

Patrick H. Reordan purchased the two houses (mentioned in his will in 1894) from Armant's widow in 1866. Reordan at the same time bought Armant's former residence (Rev. McChord House) which he sold in 1880.

Ellis sold the remainder of his lot, next "to Augustus Clark", in 1864 to Mrs. Julia A. Johnson.

Transcribed, Pam Brinegar, April 2000